The biofuel, which has been developed during a two-year research project, uses the two main by-products from the whisky production process. These are "pot ale", the liquid from the copper stills, and the spent grains called "draff", as the base to produce butanol which can then be used as fuel.
"The new biofuel is made from biological material which has been already generated," said Martin Tangney, who is leading the research. "Theoretically it could be used entirely on its own but you would have to find a company to distribute it."
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In all likelihood, the whisky-derived fuel would be mixed (with diesel or petrol) rather than served to cars straight-up. But even at a rate of five or 10 percent, that could contribute to a significant decrease in fossil fuel useage—while also utilizing a product that would otherwise be discarded.
Photo (cc) by Flickr user Iain Watson
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